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FARM FOUNDATION, ANIMAL HEALTH INSTITUTE LAUNCH ANTIBIOTIC POINT-OF-SALE TOOL
Nov. 8, 2016
Source: Farm Foundation news release
On January 1, 2017, livestock producers, veterinarians and feed suppliers will face a new regimen for administering medically-important antibiotics via feed or water to food-producing animals.
There is extensive concern that producers with small livestock operations, or who may keep food producing animals as pets, may not be aware of the changes being made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In some cases, these producers may not have an established relationship with a veterinarian.
Farm Foundation, NFP and the Animal Health Institute have partnered to develop a point-of-sale tool that rural retailers can use to help their customers better understand the changes that will take effect on Jan. 1.
The informational card is designed to alert producers to the changes and direct them to a website-www.farmfoundation.org/VFDrules-that offers resources from a variety of sources, including FDA, Extension, species groups, animal pharmaceutical manufacturers, veterinary groups and media. The card can be placed in the feed department or at a cash register. The card can also be used by educators and other professionals when they discuss the revised VFD with producers.
The card is provided in an electronic format so the user can print as many copies as needed. Print copies are also available. Both are available free of charge. To request the electronic file, or print copies, contact Mary Thompson, Farm Foundation Vice President of Communication, mary@farmfoundation.org.
Stewardship of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for the nation's consumers, food industry and agricultural production sector. FDA's Guidance for Industry #209 and #213 require companies to change labels of medically-important antibiotics administered in feed and water to only therapeutic use (prevention, control and treatment of disease). In addition, under the revised Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule, use of these drugs will require a veterinarian's directive before a livestock producer can buy medicated feed.
The Animal Health Institute represents companies that make medicine for animals. Farm Foundation, NFP is a non-partisan, non-profit that for 83 years has served as a catalyst for sound public policy by providing objective information to foster a deeper understanding of issues shaping the future of agriculture, food systems and rural communities.
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